Get words flowing with your family

21 questions jump-start conversations

8:59 PM,
Jul. 31, 2013

Family eating together

Written by

Lara Krupicka

It's evening. Maybe you're lucky enough to be sitting around the dinner table as a family. Or, perhaps, you've got a few moments in the car with your child between activities. So you ask, "How was your day?" But all you get are grunts and shrugged shoulders. Instead, you try asking: "What did you do in school today?" This time, you get the customary one-word answer: "Nothing."

What's happening here? You're simply trying to connect with your child. And while it seems like he's brushing you off, he may just be trying to disengage from school business. And your questions prevent that. Or he's so used ...